Charleston,

South Carolina

Keeping the Finance Corps Family Together

Well, we are only about 10 months away from our 2020 RAFINO reunion. This year’s reunion, as most know, will be in Charleston, South Carolina. Anyone who has been to Charleston knows it is beautiful, picturesque and just an amazing place to visit. For those who have not been there, you are truly in store for a wonderful experience. The following documents will provide a compilation of information on the reunion as well as to assist you in registering for this event. Dates: The reunion officially begins Wednesday, 7 October and goes to Sunday, 11 October. Early arrival will begin on Tuesday 6 October for those that would like to get there early. Registration: Opens 1 February 2020, on the RAFINO website at http://www.RAFINO.org. Our website is where you will register for the reunion, select any tour excursions you are wishing to participate in, choose your meal for the banquet, and volunteer to assist with registration or other activities (e.g. banquet set-up, place cards, etc.) during the reunion. The Registration Fee structure is as follows: $180.00 / person: Life Member $200.00 / person: Active Members (dues current, in good standing) $220.00 / person: In-Active Members (dues delinquent, not in good standing) Registration covers the Hospitality Room (drinks – coffee / tea / water; open bar periods; snacks, and pastries; opening night reception; banquet, transportation to the memorial service in honor of our fallen Finance Warriors and family members; and administrative fees.

RAFINO

Retired Army Finance Organization

Note: Hotel registration for lodging is separate from your RAFINO registration. A separate hotel link with a reunion group code will be available on the website at the end of January. A separate email announcing the official opening of registration will be sent out just prior to its launch. Hotel Facility: Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport – Convention Center

The Crowne Plaza hotel in North Charleston is ideally located near the Charleston International Airport (CHS) and across from the Convention Center and Performing Arts Center. You can enjoy shopping at the adjacent Tanger Outlet Mall or visit historic downtown Charleston just 10 minutes away. The Crowne Plaza hotel is convenient to I-26 and I-526, making it easy to take in the lush landscape of the Charleston Plantations or visit one of South Carolina’s finest beaches; Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island. Whether putting for par on the world-renowned golf courses in Charleston, or fishing and sailing, unforgettable experiences await every guest. Rooms: Primary Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Charleston Airport Convention Center, 4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418

Overflow Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport/Convention Center, North Charleston, SC 29418 (adjacent to the Crowne Plaza) Hotel Package Rates: Crowne Plaza: 80 rooms available * $138.00 / Day; rate includes 2 breakfast buffets/day ($27.00 value) * Rate ($138.00) is available 3 days prior/post to 7 – 11 October dates (subject to room availability) Hotel Amenities: * Complimentary shuttle service within a 3 mile radius of the hotel to include the Charleston International Airport, Tanger Outlet Mall, Amtrak and 30+ restaurants in the area * Rooms: 42’ HDTV; multi-media connectivity port; coffee maker; mini fridge; and in-room safe * On site restaurant and bar * 24-Hour Fitness Room * Outdoor Pool and Patio * 24-Hour Business Center * Complimentary Wireless Internet * Complimentary Parking * IHG Rewards Program

Overflow Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport/Convention Center

Hotel Amenities: * Rooms: 42’ Flat panel HDTV; multi-media connectivity port; mini fridge; and microwaves * Free complimentary breakfast buffet * 24-Hour Fitness Room * Outdoor Pool and Patio * Complimentary Wireless Internet * Complimentary Parking Transportation: Complimentary shuttle service within a 3 mile radius of the hotel to include the Charleston International Airport, Tanger Outlet Mall, Amtrak and 30+ restaurants in the area. ADA Considerations: All planned transportation, facilities, locations and activities are “ADA Compliant” and easily accessible. Excursions: Charleston Convention & Group Services We will experience the Lowcountry of South Carolina with Charleston's premier full-service Destination Management Company. Charleston Convention and Group Services will provide motor coach charter support for all of our excursions during the reunion as well as for our Memorial service.

A DAY IN HISTORIC CHARLESTON 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM

Price: $45.00 per Person

Thursday, October 8, 2020 8:45 AM CCGS Guide & Motor Coach to meet group at Crowne Plaza

A DAY IN HISTORIC CHARLESTON

Tour Charleston's beautiful old historic district and enjoy the charming ambience found in centuries past. During your tour you will see many of the city’s historic churches, take a stroll in one of our neighborhood parks, and drive through the Military College of South Carolina known as the Citadel. View the lovely antebellum homes along the Battery, 18th century Rainbow Row, and magnificent public buildings for which Charleston is known. Throughout the tour, your guide will introduce you to stories of the past and present, magnificent public buildings, and other points of interest. Your tour will end at the Old City Market where you will enjoy free time for shopping & browsing, and lunch on your own at one of Charleston’s many fine restaurants. The tour will end at 2:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza

SPIRIT OF CAROLINA DINNER CRUISE 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Price: $100.00 per Person

(The price is inclusive of motor coach transportation, Spirit of Carolina Dinner Cruise, and CCGS check in & coordination. Gratuity for the driver is not included and left to the discretion of the guests. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but may be purchased on your own.)

Thursday, October 8, 2020 6:00 PM CCGS Staff Member & Motor Coach to meet group at the Crowne Plaza for departure to Patriots Point

SPIRIT OF CAROLINA DINNER CRUISE

Cruise Charleston's beautiful harbor by moon light aboard the 100' luxury yacht, Spirit of Carolina. Enjoy the unique and beautiful sights of our harbor at sunset as well as a delicious dinner including entertainment from live and local musicians. Your four course dinner is made to order using fresh local ingredients and entrée choices may be made at the table. Alcoholic beverages and optional dessert menus are on your own. Sample Dinner Menu: Charleston She-Crab Soup and Spirit Signature Salad with port wine vinaigrette; Choice of Entrée (Seasonal and locally inspired Beef, Seafood, Chicken or Vegetarian dishes); Chef's selection of potatoes, rice, fresh seasonal vegetables, and freshly baked breads; Lowcountry Pecan Pie; Iced Water, Tea, or Coffee The tour will end at 10:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza

PATRIOTS POINT TOUR WITH LUNCH

IN THE CHIEF PETTY OFFICER’S (CPO) MESS 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM

Price: $71.00 per Person

(The price is inclusive of motor coach transportation, admission into Patriots Point, lunch in the CPO Mess, and CCGS check in & coordination. Gratuity for the driver is not included and left to the discretion of the group.)

Friday, October 9, 2020 8:45 AM CCGS Guide & Motor Coach to meet group at the Crowne Plaza

PATRIOTS POINT TOUR WITH LUNCH IN THE CPO MESS

Tour Patriots Point, one of the world's largest naval and maritime museums. Visit the USS Yorktown, the famous fighting lady of World War II; the Destroyer Laffey, a participant in the World War II D-Day landings at Normandy; the Vietnam Era Naval Support Base with its Sea Cobra and Huey helicopters; and the newly renovated Congressional Medal of Honor museum. After you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a traditional hot “Navy” lunch in the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess aboard the USS Yorktown! The tour will end at 2:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza

THE GHOSTS OF CHARLESTON WALKING TOUR 6:15 PM – 9:00PM

Price: $40.00 per Person

(The preceding prices are inclusive of motor coach transportation, CCGS Guide Service, City of Charleston permits, and CCGS coordination. Gratuity for the guide/s and driver are not included and left to the discretion of the group.)

Friday, October 9, 2020 6:15 PM CCGS Staff Member & Motor Coach to meet group at the Crowne Plaza

THE GHOSTS OF CHARLESTON WALKING TOUR This city by the sea has survived wars, hurricanes, fires and even an earthquake. Where sadness and natural disasters abound so do members of the spirit world. On this evening ghost walk your guide and expert storyteller will entertain your group with our traditional tall tales and perhaps introduce you to some of Charleston’s oldest residents! The tour will end at 10:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza

Fallen Finance Warrior Memorial Service River Front Park (Northern Charleston)

11:15 AM – 2:00 PM

Saturday, October 10, 2020 11:15 AM CCGS Staff Member & Motor Coach to meet group at the Crowne Plaza 11:30 AM Depart for Riverfront Park 12:00 AM Memorial Service Arranged by Group 2:00 PM End motor coach charter at Crowne Plaza

Weather in Charleston during October: The weather in Charleston in October is ideal for visiting this historic city in South Carolina as temperatures remain warm but with less of the humidity than during the summer months. Afternoon temperatures are mostly in the low 80s with early morning lows in the lower 60s. Temperature can briefly reach 90 or more. What to wear in Charleston during October: Weather-wise, Charleston in October is more like summer but without the oppressive humidity. Summer clothes work well here, with perhaps a sweater or light jacket for the cooler evenings and early mornings. What to wear… when: Reception: Casual

Hospitality Room Activities: Casual

Excursions: Casual / Comfortable Clothing (weather dependent)

Banquet: Men: Business Casual or Military Uniform; Women: Cocktail Attire or Military Uniform Reunion Check-In: Hospitality Room Crowne Plaza Tuesday – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Tuesday

Wednesday- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Late arrivals are will be taken care of as promptly as possible.

Early Arrival Group Dinner (Tuesday Evening): for those arriving on Tuesday, we will have a group dinner planned (location TBD). Participants are responsible for their meal selection and payment (approximately $20 / person). Please sign up on the RAFINO website if you are wishing to participate when you register. Hospitality Room: The reunion hospitality room will be located in the Crowne Plaza. It will provide a central location to accommodate reunion attendees. The opening night reception will be hosted in this room.

Additionally, morning snacks and coffee / tea will be available during reunion days beginning on Wednesday and concluding on Sunday morning. The hospitality room will be the “Hub” of all activity – a place to gather and socialize. Reunion Reception: Will be held Wednesday evening (7 October) in the Crowne Plaza (Hospitality Room) from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. We will have food, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and activities. At the reception we will be serving a variety of buffet-style hor dourves. RAFINO Business Meeting: Will be held in the hospitality room, Saturday morning 10 October beginning at 9:00 AM. Attendance is highly encouraged for all members and their spouses. We will be conducting voting for board positions. There will also be a financial report, membership report, and Reunion 2022 discussion. Memorial Service: Will be held Saturday morning following the RAFINO business meeting. There will be a motor coach available to take participants to the site for memorial service at 11:15 AM. The location will be a short drive to Riverfront Park. River Front Park is home to the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected in honor of the countless military personnel and civilians that served the United States and the Greater Charleston region while the Charleston Navy Base was operational. The Memorial is the only location in the United States that displays both the Lone Sailor and the Homecoming statues. The memorial service will recognize and honor our departed finance warriors since our last reunion. Reunion Banquet: Will be held in Crowne Plaza Ballroom Saturday evening 11 October beginning at 6:30 PM. There will be a cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 outside the ballroom. Recommended dress is business casual (or military uniform) for men and cocktail attire (or military uniform) for women. At 5:45 PM we will begin with the Receiving Line. At approximately 6:25, we will sound “Call to Mess” signaling everyone to move to their tables in the dining area. This will be followed by the posting of the colors, the invocation, opening remarks, and toasts. Dinner will be served, followed by a short break. After the break, we will cut the honorary Reunion birthday cake, have guest speaker introduction / remarks, a toast to our fallen, the benediction, and finally the retiring of the colors. The posting / retiring of

the colors will be conducted by the U.S. Army Finance and Comptroller School Color Guard under the direction of our Finance Corps and Regimental Command Sergeant Major, CSM Gennaro Penn. There will be a seating chart displayed, so members will know their respective table numbers. Designating table seating will be made available during registration or during Day 1 and 2 of the reunion. Banquet Menu Choices: Meal selected available during on-line registration Beef Menu Choice: Beef Tenderloin Medallions w/ Green Peppercorn Demi-Glace; served with a Field Green Salad, Rolls w Butter, Vegetable, Starch, Strawberry Shortcake Cooled Whipped Cream, Iced Tea, Water and Coffee Chicken Menu Choice: Chicken Marsala Caramelized Wild Mushroom & Onion Sauce; served with a Field Green Salad, Rolls w Butter, Vegetable, Starch, Strawberry Shortcake Cooled Whipped Cream, Iced Tea, Water and Coffee Seafood Menu Choice: Cajun Crab Stuffed Flounder w/ a Lemon Beurre Blanc; served with a Field Green Salad, Rolls w Butter, Vegetable, Starch, Strawberry Shortcake Cooled Whipped Cream, Iced Tea, Water and Coffee Vegetable Menu Choice: Pasta Primavera-Sautéed fresh local vegetables with a freshly roasted herbed sauce; served with a Field Green Salad, Rolls w Butter, Vegetable, Starch, Strawberry Shortcake Cooled Whipped Cream, Iced Tea, Water and Coffee

Charleston 2020 Reunion Schedule

Date Start Time End Time Function Cost

Tuesday - October

6, 2020 1:00 PM 5:00 PM Registration

6:00 PM 8:00 PM Early Bird Dinner

5:00 PM 12:00 AM Hospitality Room

Wednesday -

October 7, 2020 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Registration

8:00 AM 5:00 PM Hospitality Room

6:00 PM 9:00 PM Welcome Reception

9:00 PM 12:00 AM Hospitality Room

Thursday - October

8, 2020 8:00 AM 12:00 AM Hospitality Room

8:45 AM 2:00 PM A Day in Historic Charleston $45.00

6:00 PM 10:00 PM

Spirit of Charleston Dinner

Cruise $100.00

Friday - October 9,

2020 8:00 AM 12:00 AM Hospitality Room

8:45 AM 2:00 PM

Patriots Point Tour and

Lunch in the Chief Petty

Officer's Mess $71.00

6:15 PM 9:00 PM

The Ghost of Charleston

Walking tour $40.00

Saturday - October

10, 2020 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Hospitality Room

9:00 AM 10:15 AM RAFINO Business Meeting

11:15 AM 2:00 PM

Fallen Finance Warrior

Memorial Service

5:30 PM 8:30 PM RAFINO Banquet

9:00 PM 12:00 AM Hospitality Room

Sunday - October

11, 2020 8:00 AM 11:00 AM Hospitality Room